...I had the same misfortune with Buca di Beppo. I loved the place until I discovered it was a chain from Minnesota -- Italian food? Minnesota? -- with dozens of locations and a listing on Nasdaq. Now it's ruined... (link)

I do not understand why people are willing to eat "Italian" food at restaurants like this. The recipes are hardly authentic and the entrees taste as if they have just been reheated in the microwave. Buco doesn't even have its waiters grate fresh Parmiggiano at the table, you have to settle for the stale Kraft stuff in a shaker. Unless you are simply looking to fill yourself and quality is secondary, save your money. For a similar price you can get a much higher quality meal at restaurants such as Mia Francesca in Lakeview.

I've dined at Buca di Beppo restaurants in Chicago, Louisville, Dallas, and Houston, and have always had great experiences. It always begins with a walk through the kitchen to see the food being prepared and to inhale the rich aromas wafting out into the restaurant. "Buca" being "basement" and "Beppo" being "Joe," this is simple, hearty, homestyle Italian cooking, served family style and shared among friends. The decor is "over-the-top" in a tongue-in-cheek way and the music of Frank Sinatra or Dino Martin is never far away. It's not uncommon for tables of diners to burst into song, usually something like "Volare" or "That's Amore" or "Funiculi, Funicula." And, why not? This is the place to be festive, and after tasting the Veal Marsala or Meatballs or Sausage or Eggplant or various delicious entrees, drinks, and desserts, you'll feel like singing also. For parties of 10-15, make sure and reserve the "Pope Room," complete with cupula, papal memorabilia, and a large bust of the present Pontiff. One goes to Buca di Beppo for not only zesty, tasty, rich Italian food, but for the experience. If you want a quiet, stuffy evening alone, grab a Swanson Hungry Man dinner and stay home. But for laughter, song, and hearty eating, it's tough to beat a Buca.